Why Writing a Book Is Becoming a Top New Year’s Resolution (And How to Stick With It)

👉 [Watch the full video and learn how to stick with your writing goals this year]

Every January, we hear the same resolutions.

Get healthier. Save more money. Exercise more.

But there’s a growing resolution gaining momentum—writing a book.

Recent reports show that while about 37% of Americans set New Year’s resolutions, only 9% actually follow through. The biggest reason? Goals that feel overwhelming, unrealistic, or unsupported. In fact, many people abandon their resolutions by mid-January, a day often referred to as “Quitter’s Day.”

So why are more people choosing to write a book—and how can they actually stick with it?

Why “Write a Book” Is on the Rise as a New Years Resolution

Personal development continues to grow in popularity, and writing a book fits naturally into that space. People want to share their expertise, their stories, and their lived experiences to help others.

Since COVID, publishing has also become far more accessible. With the rise of self-publishing platforms and hybrid publishing options, getting a book into the world is no longer reserved for a select few. That accessibility has made writing a book feel more attainable—and for many, more meaningful.

At Dream to Author, we’ve seen this firsthand. Our New Year’s Guide to Writing Your Book in 2026 has been downloaded hundreds of times in just the last month. The interest is real. People have powerful messages and are ready to share them.

The Real Challenge: Following Through

The desire to write a book isn’t the problem. Sticking with it is.

Most resolutions fail because of:

• Unrealistic goals

• Lack of support or accountability

• Focusing on willpower instead of action

Thinking about writing a book isn’t enough. Progress only happens when intention turns into consistent action.

How to Actually Stick With Your Writing Resolution

If writing a book is on your list this year, here are a few principles that dramatically increase your chances of success:

1. Set realistic, achievable goals

   Make the goal challenging—but attainable. Small, consistent steps matter more than massive bursts of motivation.
   

2. Commit and take action

   Commitment isn’t just deciding you want to write. It’s sitting down and doing the work, even when it feels uncomfortable or imperfect.
   

3. Build a habit, not just a plan

   Writing becomes easier when it’s part of your routine. The more consistently you show up, the more momentum you build.

   
   

4. Identify obstacles early

   Instead of reacting when things go wrong, identify what might hold you back—time, confidence, clarity—and address it proactively.

   
   

5. Get support and accountability

   An accountability partner, coach, or writing community can be the difference between a finished book and another unfinished idea.

Your Story Matters

There are endless topics worth writing about. Your experiences, your expertise, and your perspective can help someone else who is just a few steps behind you.

Writing a book isn’t just about publishing. It’s about impact, growth, and contribution.

These insights were recently shared on Hello Iowa during a segment with Megan Salois, where Jackie Haley discussed why writing a book is gaining popularity as a New Year’s resolution and how authors can successfully follow through.

👉 [Watch the full video and learn how to stick with your writing goals this year]